What Do You Need To Lay Down?

Today we’re talking about: What Do You Need to Lay Down?

We all carry baggage. I’m not talking about the kind you pack for vacation—I mean the stuff we carry emotionally, spiritually, and mentally that slows us down. Ever feel like life is a race and you're trying to run with a backpack full of bricks? Yeah, me too. But what if today’s the day we start laying some of it down? Whether it’s fear, guilt, people-pleasing, or just your endless to-do list—let’s talk about what we’re carrying and how to let go.

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) — “Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

If you’re like me, sometimes it’s running on caffeine and stubbornness. But seriously, let’s look at what we might be holding onto that God never asked us to carry.

It’s not always sin that slows us down—it can be worry, expectations, or just saying “yes” too much. Sometimes we take on roles, responsibilities, or pressure that God never intended for us. What’s weighing you down today?

There was a season where I thought being "strong" meant doing everything myself. I didn’t want to bother God with the “little stuff.” But y’all, it turns out, I was trying to run with a backpack full of stuff He was more than willing to carry for me.

We don’t need to wear ourselves down, but that’s exactly what we do.

We look at our lists, the tasks are overwhelming, and we know we have to get them done—so we jump in.

But what was it that we didn’t do, the thing that should be at the top of that list?

Pray. 

Pray and ask God to help us with everything on that list.

So, listen—we don’t have to be strong in front of God our Father. We can freely ask Him for help, and we will absolutely get it.

If you could lay one thing at God’s feet today—something you’ve carried for too long—what would it be?

We can all probably think of something. If you can’t, I’d encourage you to take some time to ask God to search your heart and show you what you’re holding onto that you need to lay down.

Now, let’s get real about the how. Because if letting go were easy, we’d all be floating through life like balloons. But we’ve got some solid steps and encouragement to walk it out.

Sometimes we hang onto stuff because we think no one else will handle it like we do. But laying something down means trusting God not just with the thing—but with the outcome, too.

Prayer isn’t just asking God for things—it’s surrendering.

Try this simple prayer today: “Lord, I’m tired of carrying this. I trust You, Lord, to take it from here.” Even just saying that out loud can shift your mindset and heart.

Letting go isn’t always instant. Sometimes it’s a process of laying something down... and then picking it up again (oops)... and laying it back down again. Grace covers us in that back-and-forth.

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) — “Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

I was looking through some writings I’ve done over the years, and I found one from 2020. In it, I realized I was relearning things I thought I had already laid down at Jesus’ feet. But instead of laying them down and asking God to walk through them with me, I was laying them down and expecting that God would just magically fix everything.

I want to be clear here—when we lay things down at the feet of Jesus, we don’t just get to walk away. It means we are giving everything we are to God and we are ready to put in the work.

I wrote this prayer at the end:

“Lord, search my heart. Shine Your light into every corner of my heart, my thoughts, desires, and even my possessions. Remove anything in my life that does not please You, so I can be useful for You. And Lord, give me a heart to obey You.”

Submission—that’s what laying everything down really means.

So what happens when we finally lay things down at God’s feet?

Spoiler alert: peace, purpose, and a whole lot more room for joy.

Hebrews 12:1 reminds us to strip off every weight so we can run with endurance. Imagine how much faster, lighter, and freer your life could feel if you weren’t carrying all that emotional or spiritual weight.

Every day is a new chance to ask, “Lord, what do You want me to carry today—and what can I leave with You?” Let it become a rhythm, not a one-and-done moment.

Sometimes we can’t hear from God—not because He’s not speaking—but because we’re so weighed down with distractions. Laying things down creates space for His voice, His peace, and His joy to take up residence in our hearts.

Today, maybe it’s fear. Tomorrow it could be comparison. But every day, God offers to lighten our load. Let’s choose His strength over our striving. Lay it down and keep walking forward.

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) — “Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

Here’s the heart of it all: You weren’t meant to carry it all. Whatever “it” is for you—grief, guilt, pressure, fear—God is big enough to handle it. Lay it down. Walk lighter. And remember, you never walk alone.